Club Captain and another upon who the term ‘Hope Inn Legend’ can be easily bestowed. Winner of Player of the Year and Defender of the year on a regular basis and proudly lifted the Tom Donnelly Cup for the first time in 1997. Never afraid to voice his opinion like a latter day Alf Garnett and will always offer a word of(dis)encouragement when he feels it is required. Has developed into one of the best centre backs in the Dover League during his time at the club although when he scores the initial delight from his team mates is always quickly followed by a strange sense of regret knowing that the goal will be recounted to them on numerous occasions in the finest detail
Rory Martin
Rooorrreeee! Crazy Crane Martin is a rich man's Peter Crouch. King of the faint and dribble, he just can't seem to keep his hands to himself. Lover of strong belgium beer, he's as chilled as a bottle of Gav's finest champers.
BRIAN FIELDING
Recently moved back into the area and victorious member of the 1997 Tom Donnelly Cup winning side. Has formed a solid central midfield partnership this season with Jason Oliver and got on the score sheet for the first time this season in the derby game at home to St Margaret’s. Strong in the challenge-he likes to start a melee and walk away while everyone else does the fighting and arguing for him. If you want to see the video ‘Brian Fielding-A Tribute’ (also known as the 2004 Hope Inn Cup Final) you should contact the architect of this website. ( supports )
DAVE FIELDING
Sicknote has had a storming 04/05 season so far nearly holding a goal a game ratio. This year is the year of the Groin which is likely to see him into treble figures in the new year for minutes played.
Former manager of the Hope Inn and on the opposing side in the 1997 final. Our Man of the Match in last years final but has been unable feature regularly this season due to his management commitments with Hythe Town. Becomes very mischievous when mixed with alcohol. He once placed his manhood in a ladies purse while she was waiting to pay for her round on a night out. Often seen with ‘a face of concern’.
JASON ‘PEANUT’ OLIVER
Former Dover Rangers and Jacetts star now patrolling the midfield of the mighty Hope Inn. An excellent passer of the ball and a fine striker of a dead ball. One of the nicest blokes you will ever meet-looked after the manager beyond the call of duty on Ben Leberl’s stag do. His nickname apparently derives from his home- (K)Kingsdown (P)Park but this has now been referred to the dubious nicknames panel. Possesses Interesting but difficult party trick involving mixer bottles.
DAVE MARCONI
Second in command to the Fly. A genuine all round clubman and a fine left back. His Dad Tony played in the 1991-1992 Hope Inn Side that got promoted from Division 3. Like Dave Fielding makes sure he gets full value for his National Health contributions. A fan of Everton so currently feeling very smug and bases his style on former Everton and Wales stalwart Pat Van Den Hauwe.
JOHNNY MUIR
Silky skilled right back who likes to get forward at every opportunity. Has made the step up from Deal to Dover league with smoothness akin to the one made by his idol Kevin Phillips when he first came into the Premier league with John’s beloved Sunderland. Favours the rolling step over manoeuvre that has foxed many a player down the years. Nicknamed ‘Rocko’ by number one fan Stuart Parker due to his rock and roll lifestyle.
STEVE SMITH
Hope Inn Legend and all time top goalscorer who has recently made the transition from centre forward to centre back (a la Dion Dublin) only to return to his favoured position up front (a la Paul Warhurst) in the recent heartbreaking Cup defeat against the Gate. Nobody loves the club more than Steve and he has recently addressed the club’s lack of youth policy by creating a son Owen. Opened the scoring in the 1997 final from a ridiculously huge puddle in the penalty spot at Crabble.
Steve Miller
This season’s leading goalscorer and contender for player of the year. All action midfielder and fittest member of the squad who will run all day for the team. Sometimes a very surreal player to have around-from the silly kick offs of the early nineties right through to the press ups exactly at the same time as when the referee was having a nervous breakdown in last seasons home fixture against the Gate. When Jae Donnelly was having a shouting match in the changing room after one particularly fraught encounter Steve responded by shouting,’ You’re just a dinner lady Jae-nothing more, nothing less. You will always be just a dinner lady’.
KEVIN FIELDING
Youngest of the Fielding brothers and currently at University in Manchester. Kev’s language is now part of every day life in the pub. If you decide to stay in the Hope and not visit any of the other pubs you ‘pork off’ that idea. If there is a strange aroma in the pub coming from you’re direction you are questioned as to whether you have ‘dropped you’re handbag’ and if the person you are with is drinking a bit slowly you advise them to ‘dump the clutch and give it some beans’. A revelation since moving to centre back-he was outstanding in the both the cup final and during the recent cup defeat against the Gate. His manager only wishes he was able to call upon him every week.
DANE LUTCHFORD
Quicksilver striker whose appearance as a substitute in last years cup final almost turned the game on it’s head. Currently at University so has not managed to get many games under his belt this season but starred in the 3-2 away win at Bull Wanderers. Brother of former manager Justin, his catchphrase is, “We’re not related”
GAVIN OAKLEY
Younger brother of former Hope inn player of the year Craig. Came into the game late but through sheer hard work and application has attained a level of ability which has meant that he does not look out of place when called upon. Has performed mainly at either left back or up front and has forced his way onto the scoresheet on a number of occasions including a famous double away at Aylesham en route to last years final. Once auditioned for eighties boy band Big Fun and when he has missed the goal in the past he hasn’t blamed it on the sunshine, he hasn’t blamed it on the moonlight, he hasn’t blamed it on the good times-he’s blamed it on the boogie. ( Favourite work place )
Jae Donnelly
This midfield warrior is hard,double hard and then some. When he's up for it(on the pitch) there's know one better and indeed harder than Jae. Never shy of a 110 % two footed tackle, this fella knows how to get stuck in.
This player is so notorious, quality seasoned professionals have actually refused to play against him. Players like Roy Keane,Keith Weller, Robbie Savage,Patrick Vieira,Nobby Stiles, Bryan Robson, Bobby Robson, Mickey Walsh,Graham Souness,Vinnie Jones to name but 10. I could go up to 11 Spinal Tap style but I won't there's just not enough time or space, which is what Jae creates on the field with his quick thinking and precise passing and lovely haircuts..style and space.He always looks hot, the girls go mad for it. He likes to rise to theoccasion. Everybody involved appreciates this!!
On and off Jae has been playing for The Hope Inn since the early 90's and won the Player Of The Year award in 2000 and was commended for 'pissing on team mates in showers' when ever he thought it was the right thing to do. Jae used to be known as Jay or Jason or Bell End.Jae decided that Jae would be much better than Jay and people respected him for this and always called Jae Jae and never Jay.I admit it was hard at first to remember to call Jae Jae and not Jay.We think nothing of it now and everyone just calls Jae Jae or Bell End.
Sadly Jae was plagued with an imaginary friend called Samson which many believe hampered his chances of FIFA world player of the year 94.His form plummeted and he knew that he had a massive problem. Past girlfriends have been known to become very jealous of Samson due to Jae shouting in his sleep "Samson! Samson! Samson! are you there?" At first he didn't believe it until one day he woke up with two girls beside him and they both confirmed that they had heard this strange cry out to this imaginary friend. He knew that Samson would ruin not only his career, but also his sex life if it wasn't dealt with quickly. Jae has learned how to deal with this problem and has come through the other side a stronger person.Sworn to secrecy all we know from Jae is that Atom Ant was very much involved in this miraculous turn around in Jaes life path. Back for 2005 its good to have a Samsonless Jae Donnelly on board, up for it and enjoying his football again.........Still a Dinner Lady though.
Tom Dodd
Tom is another local lad, cousin to the notorious village outlaw Ed (the) Wellard. He joined the Hope Inn around 2 years ago and plays when he is not at university in Northampton. His exceptional silky skills, mazey dribbles and ever growing ‘fro’ has seen him become a firm favourite among the fans and players alike.
Legend has it that when he was a young lad Tom developed his excellent soccer skills on St. Margarets beach, playing ‘keep ups’ with pebbles and small rocks. This also appears to have given him the toughness required to play in Dover’s Premiere Sunday league.
When not at university or enjoying a pint of real ale in the Hope Inn , Tom retires to his lavish home overlooking the bay. Here he likes nothing more than to get out the smoking jacket and slippers, and watch the sunset as he puffs on a Cuban cigar (rolled on thighs of virgins) and sip his favourite single malt.
Danny Skinner
Danny Skinner or “Skins” to his mates is another player who has gained legend status in the deal league but has decided to see if he can really cut the mustard in the Dover premier. A key member of the former Victoria Park team along with John Muir and Dave Marconi, Danny is a goalkeeper with handling skills similar to our England NO 1, and if it was not for injury as a youth he could have been a contender for the 2006 world cup. However their loss is the Hopes gain and his acquisition is hoped will bring some stability to this promising squad.
